Introduction
Nowadays, females in their adolescent years are more likely to have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a prevalent endocrine condition of reproductive age marked by diverse problems. Women with PCOS may experience irregular or prolonged periods, excessive hair growth, acne, and obesity. Teenagers’ chances of developing this illness may be increased by irregular or nonexistent menstruation. In the United States, females in their reproductive years comprise 6–12% of the population (Copp et al., 2022).
A minimum of two signs, such as excessive levels of androgen hormone, irregular menstrual periods, or abnormal ovaries with growths on one or both, are typically seen by persons with PCOS (Copp et al., 2022). The condition could significantly disrupt the person’s life and impact their mood or general well-being. In this essay, the connection between PCOS and depression is discussed, along with how exactly PCOS may contribute to depression.
Hormonal Depression in Female Patients with PCOS
The precise mechanism by which PCOS raises the risk of depression is unclear to scientists. However, according to other studies, depression affects slightly more than 49% of those with PCOS compared to about 19% of those without PCOS (Copp et al., 2022). Additionally, compared to 39% of those without PCOS, roughly 50% of those with PCOS suffer anxiety (Copp et al., 2022).
It is still unknown whether PCOS and depression are related. Nevertheless, some suggestions that studies have backed could aid in illuminating how PCOS might raise the possibility of developing depression. The following are some of the most widely accepted hypotheses on the connection between PCOS and depression: First, many PCOS sufferers have insulin resistance. Their bodies still produce insulin, but cannot adequately utilize it.
A hormone called insulin aids in controlling blood sugar or glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes risk is increased by insulin resistance. According to some estimates, insulin resistance affects 44–70% of PCOS sufferers (Gnawali et al., 2021).
Experts have not conclusively proved the link between type 2 diabetes, depression, and insulin resistance (Gnawali et al., 2021). However, type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance are likely to increase the risk of depression (Gnawali et al., 2021). According to studies, insulin resistance may affect physiological processes linked to learning and reward, exacerbating depression symptoms (Gnawali et al., 2021).
Secondly, PCOS is an inflammatory disease. According to research, depression may also cause the body’s inflammation to rise (Sadeeqa et al., 2018). Numerous other disorders, including stress and obesity, are linked to inflammation.
Third, stress is a common symptom of PCOS. Depression is often increased by stress. Stress may also significantly impact how PCOS, anxiety, and depression are related. Cortisol levels can rise in response to increased stress. According to several studies, a major depressive illness that is acute and severe is positively associated with higher cortisol levels.
Depending on the underlying cause, PCOS and depression patients can benefit from various treatments. People can manage their illnesses better if they adopt certain lifestyle modifications, such as those linked to depression, insulin resistance, obesity, or type 2 diabetes (Sadeeqa et al., 2018). A low-carbohydrate diet, weight loss or maintenance, exercise to help treat some symptoms, and specific pharmaceuticals, such as insulin-sensitizing drugs, to treat insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are among the strategies (Sadeeqa et al., 2018).
Utilizing birth control might help if a hormonal imbalance is causing one’s depression. These drugs can help control menstrual periods and manage or lessen PCOS symptoms. It may benefit PCOS sufferers to acquire stress management techniques if they deal with significant or ongoing stress, such as using yoga or relaxation methods. Some depression symptoms may be lessened by doing this. Treatments like specific drugs or surgery may increase a person’s chances of getting pregnant if depression results from feelings related to infertility. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy may lessen the symptoms of depression.
Conclusion
In conclusion, depression is more likely to strike those with PCOS. Although the specific link between depression and PCOS is still unknown, there are several potential contributing factors, such as stress, sleep apnea, infertility, and physical changes, such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. People with PCOS who exhibit depressive symptoms can obtain assistance and care by speaking with a healthcare provider or contacting local or federal mental health services.
References
Copp, T., Muscat, D. M., Hersch, J., McCaffery, K. J., Doust, J., Dokras, A., Mol, B. W., & Jansen, J. (2022). The challenges with managing polycystic ovary syndrome: A qualitative study of women’s and clinicians’ experiences. Patient Education and Counseling, 105(3), 719–72–5. Web.
Gnawali, A., Patel, V., Cuello-Ramírez, A., Noor, A., Rashid, M. Y., Henin, S., & Mostafa, J. A. (2021). Why are Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome at Increased Risk of Depression? Exploring the Etiological Maze. Cureus, 13(2). Web.
Sadeeqa, S., Mustafa, T., & Latif, S. (2018). Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome–Related Depression in Adolescent Girls: A Review. Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences, 10(2), 55-59. Web.